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Ban, 56, is the second consecutive architect from Japan and the third in the past five years to win the $100,000 prize. Last year's winner was Toyo Ito.

The Pritzker Architecture Prize was created by Jay A. Pritzker and his wife, Cindy, in 1979 to honor the world's most innovative architects.

Ban is perhaps most distinguished for his breezy, economical designs such as the Centre Pompidou museum in Metz, France, with its undulating white roof supported by wooden latticework. His works are known for using low-cost materials that are often locally sourced.

"Shigeru Ban is a force of nature, which is entirely appropriate in the light of his voluntary work for the homeless and dispossessed in areas that have been devastated by natural disasters," Peter Palumbo, Pritzker jury chairman, said in a statement.

"But he also ticks the several boxes for qualification to the architectural pantheon — a profound knowledge of his subject, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge materials and technology; total curiosity and commitment; endless innovation; an infallible eye; an acute sensibility — to name but a few," Palumbo added.

Ban, who said he was greatly influenced by the simplicity and efficiency of Japanese carpentry, has also devoted many designs to humanitarian efforts, including shelter for people displaced by conflicts or disasters.